Big Grouch

I'm getting really tired of my local police force enforcing non-existant laws. Today was the third time I've been harassed by them for taking photos. Once was at an art show, when some artists claimed I was violating copyright laws by taking photos at the show. Not close ups of their work, just general crowd shots. Another time I was photographing trucks at a loading dock where they make cereal. Cocoa Puffs. "Security reasons" was why I couldn't stand on a public sidewalk there, and shoot trucks 20 feet away. Today I wanted to shoot a construction scene, a city crew hard at work fixing a broken water main. They called the police, this time I was "trespassing", even though I was on a sidewalk outside of the closed off area. Each time I told the cops I was not violating any laws, shooting things in plain view on a public street, each time they told me I could be arrested for disorderly conduct.
I'm half tempted next time to just let them arrest me. But who has money for a lawyer? Besides, they have nothing else to do here, not much crime, and it would end up my word against theirs. Very frustrating.

richnash46 Loc: Texas

Somewhat ironic isn't it? A town that is largely dependent on "tourist traffic" allowing their police (revenue agents) to harass people who want to simply photograph the local environs! Unfortunately, you can't fix "stupid!"
;) ;)

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

That's why I carry my rights as a photographer in every camera bag...

http://photography.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=photography&cdn=hobbies&tm=2&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=29&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.krages.com/phoright.htm

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I would go to the local police department and ask them to show me the law that precludes taking photos from a public place and when they cannot , ask them to educate their clueless officers.

Big Grouch

[/quote]

I would go to the local police department and ask them to show me the law that precludes taking photos from a public place and when they cannot , ask them to educate their clueless officers.[/quote]
Actually, I have. They told me that local police CAN enforce copyright laws. They also told me It's against the law to photograph anyone who doesn't want to be photographed, or anyone's property who doesn't want it photographed. The man with the badge and gun declined to elaborate. I offered to show them the Photographers Bill Of Rights that a lawyer/photographer produced. I also offered to show them where New York City told their police to stop harassing photographers. Not interested. It's a no win situation.
This is in a county that has admitted it's unconstitutional to arrest someone for videotaping police doing their job, but they will arrest you anyway.

lightchime Loc: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

One can deal with information; misinformation is more difficult.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I would go to the local police department and ask them to show me the law that precludes taking photos from a public place and when they cannot , ask them to educate their clueless officers.[/quote]
Actually, I have. They told me that local police CAN enforce copyright laws. They also told me It's against the law to photograph anyone who doesn't want to be photographed, or anyone's property who doesn't want it photographed. The man with the badge and gun declined to elaborate. I offered to show them the Photographers Bill Of Rights that a lawyer/photographer produced. I also offered to show them where New York City told their police to stop harassing photographers. Not interested. It's a no win situation.
This is in a county that has admitted it's unconstitutional to arrest someone for videotaping police doing their job, but they will arrest you anyway.[/quote]

Morons

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

As much as I think these guys are a pain in the butt .......A.C.L.U. ???

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Try contacting you congressman and/or state representative.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Actually, I have. They told me that local police CAN enforce copyright laws. They also told me It's against the law to photograph anyone who doesn't want to be photographed, or anyone's property who doesn't want it photographed. The man with the badge and gun declined to elaborate. I offered to show them the Photographers Bill Of Rights that a lawyer/photographer produced. I also offered to show them where New York City told their police to stop harassing photographers. Not interested. It's a no win situation.
This is in a county that has admitted it's unconstitutional to arrest someone for videotaping police doing their job, but they will arrest you anyway.[/quote]

Morons[/quote]

I have some doubts here. First off, what you were doing has nothing to do with copyrights and copyright law is federal law, not state, or local.
Next, I would LOVE to see the law that states it is unlawful to photograph anyone who does not want to be photographed. Now, the USE of that image is different, but taking the image - I really don't believe it. I would ask to see the statute on that bit of baloney.
I think they are full of manure. I would be inclined to talk to a member of the city council. I think that person would be more likely to help you research the applicable law.

rebride

Over three dozen police officers were 'lined up' against a wall at the SF Giants 2010 World Series celebration.
I took pictures without asking, they saw me doing so, than showed them the shots on the LCD screen.
They could have cared less.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The unfortunate part is that you HAVE to be arrested to prove damages before you can bring an action, whether that action is in the form of a civil suit or the ACLU gets involved. No attorney will present a case without your having been physically wronged and suffered proveable damages. You might just press the point next time (provided you ARE on public property) and let them arrest you and then proceed with civil litigation. Any worthwhile attorney should take such a matter on a contingency basis as his fees would be compensable should you prevail in the matter.

DJ Mills Loc: Idaho

How about a (written) statement from the local district attorney or perhaps the city attorney?

krgatlgm Loc: Las Vegas, Nv

Ask to speak to the Chief and no one else! I wonder what city as the OP is "in hiding".

Big Grouch

When I argued with a cop he told me he could make a "disorderly conduct" charge stick. I know damn well it's not up to local police to enforce copyright laws, or any other intellectual property laws.